“The Death of George Washington” (1799)

EQ: What makes a strong leader?

Instances of relinquishing power voluntarily “If he does that, he [Washington] will be the Greatest Man in the World” - George III upon hearing of Washington’s plan to retire as Commander in Chief of the Continental Army, surrender power to Congress and go home to Mt. Vernon Is knowing when to give up power a sign of a person’s greatness? Resigns command of the Continental Army (1783) – “As the sword was the last resort for the preservation of our liberties, so it ought to be the first laid aside when those liberties are firmly established.” Voluntarily limits presidency to 2 terms

Washington’s Cabinet: Secretary of State – Thomas Jefferson Secretary of Treasury – Alexander Hamilton Secretary of War – Henry Knox Attorney General – Edmund Randolph President – GW ( ) VP – John Adams

Group work! Each group will examine one domestic or foreign policy issue handled by Washington’s administration Each group will need to 1) explain the situation/topic in detail and 2) determine what this issue shows about Washington’s leadership Issues:1. Hamilton’s financial plans 2. Whiskey Rebellion 3. Neutrality Proclamation 4. Foreign Treaties (Jay Treaty, Treaty of San Lorenzo) 5. Farewell Address

Hamilton’s Financial Plan Proposals: 1. Redemption of govt bonds at face value 2. Federal govt assumption of states’ war debts -agreement 3. U.S. Bank 4. Tariff and excise taxes

Whiskey Rebellion (PA, 1794)

Neutrality Proclamation (April 1793) “Whereas it appears that a state of war exists between Austria, Prussia, Sardinia, Great Britain, and the United Netherlands, of the one part, and France on the other; and the duty and interest of the United States require, that they should with sincerity and good faith adopt and pursue a conduct friendly and impartial toward the belligerent Powers”

Foreign Treaties Jay Treaty (1794)  Treaty of San Lorenzo/ Pinckney Treaty (1795)

Selections from Washington’s Farewell Address “It is our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign world… Taking care always to keep ourselves by suitable establishments on a respectable defensive posture, we may safely trust to temporary alliances for extraordinary emergencies…” “Let me now…warn you in the most solemn manner against the baneful effects of the spirit of party…”

Discussion Qs: EQ: What makes a strong leader? (List characteristics!) According to these characteristics, to what extent was Washington a strong leader? Was his leadership “indispensable”? Other examples of strong leaders?